Word Origin & History

low M.E. lah (mid-12c.), from O.N. lagr "low," from P.Gmc. *lægaz (cf. O.Fris. lech, Du. laag, Ger. läge "low"), lit. "that which is lying flat;" related to O.E. licgan (see lie (v.)). Meaning "humble in rank" is from c.1200; "undignified" is from 1550s; sense of "dejected, dispirited" is attested from 1737. In reference to sounds, it is attested from early 15c. In geographical usage, it refers to the part of a country near the sea-shore (c.1300; cf. Low Countries "Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg," 1540s).

Example Sentences for lows

"I 'lows I'se not accustomed to no sweetness" was his simple explanation.

Mormon Peters, champeen holder of the Cow Belt, 'lows he can't.

He 'lows it's sylvanite, same as they have over to Boulder County in Colorado.

Our North American lows travel at an average speed of 600 miles a day.

That 'lows for one more fever for me afore I die—I don't cal'ate to have but one more.

"Ma Padgett never 'lows me to act scared," she reminded him.

Sam says he 'lows we'll jest all die a-laughin' when we see the clown.

"I 'lows he'd got it good an' plenty," said the man who caught Monte.

On what does the permanence of the summer lows over the Rockies depend?